Just a quick update from the 9th floor:
Hannah had a pretty decent night, or as best as she could with her vitals being checked every hour, and having her body moved every two hours (to avoid bed sores from staying in the same position for too long and to stretch and move her spine). Tim spent the night at her bed side last night, while Katie and Carly spent the night (our last) in the townhouse - many, many thanks to Lynn Rubin for recommending it to us. The townhouse was great while Hannah was in ICU; parents can't sleep in the ICU rooms so it gave us a sanctuary away from the hospital (just 2 blocks from the front door) where we could rest and relax while she had 24/7 bedside care. However, now that she's on the 9th floor, and we don't have a nurse dedicated to just her room, we will be staying in her room and sleeping by her side and assisting more with her care.
Some news of note today:
* Hannah is in incredibly good spirits. Laughing, tickling, hugging and kissing.
* She had some blood drawn at 6:00am and still needs some calcium and potassium - very normal with the loss of blood she had.
* They have removed her from her pain "drip." We can still hit the pump as we seem fit, but she doesn't appear to be in any pain - perhaps because she's had so many operations before and has a high tolerance of pain, or perhaps because she may not have had full sensation in her back to begin with because of the scoliosis. Whatever the reason, she is very comfortable and content.
* That may change this afternoon, as the doctors want her to get in her wheelchair. We'll see how that goes..
* She had her first bowel movement since Monday this morning. That's gotta feel good...
* She is getting the spa treatment from Katie and Carly - shampoo, body wash and nail clipping. It's difficult for Carly to work because her sister is mauling her with hugs and kisses.
* We changed her surgical dressing also today. Her spine looks straight and the rest of her body also.
One last bit of news today: Did you know that a teenage girl taking a hot shower (not to give away her identity but her name rhymes with barley) can set off a smoke detector not once but twice? Neither did I.
Have a great day everyone. Thanks for the love.
Tim, Katie and Carly.
5 comments:
Okay, no one likes a show-off!!! Not only does Hannah hold the record for least pain meds needed following spinal fusion, she also gets the Super Dooper Pooper Award...WOW!! She will be in the Hopkins Hall of Fame on the 9th Floor, if not in the entire hospital!
Clearly, the Larkins are ending their week far better than it began. We're so glad that the McElderry House Lodging was helpful to you, we found it a lifesaver.
Keep those snappy updates comin' cause they make our day..Love to all,
The Rubins
Sounds like great progress. I hope Hannah continues to make such wonderful improvements.
Sounds like a love fest over there on the 9th floor. I can just see Carly trying to give the spa treatment and Hannah mauling her with hugs and kisses. That is our Hannah!
Larkins, do not be shy... ask for any help you might need...please!
Susan M
Yeah!!!
More great news...what an incredible progression of events this week. Surely I will continue to send up prayers for the amazing healing progress that we have all been unified in praying for---But tonight I will surely include a special dose of gratitude in my prayer as well!
And, sorry to rattle the cage but let's get another picture up on the blog when you feel it is appropriate. K?
Lots and Lots of love!
Rena
Hello Larkin family,
It is great to see Hannah sitting up so tall and strong. I love being able to follow her progress through this site. I am cheering for Hannah in my heart has she begins her rehab journey which I hope will be soon. Carly is a wonderful big sister. You are a family that knows how to treat each other right.
I am just catching up with all of the details and I love reading all of the little reports. Hannah looks amazing and I love seeing all of the smiles.
As for her big sister my words could never express how wonderful she is. I know that Hannah was so happy to have her there and I know that Carly felt the same way.
As for the shower, that is crazy. I have never heard of that happening especially twice.
My love and prayers to all of you!
The Hill Family
Post a Comment